COVINGTON, Ky. – Cinco de Mayo is Friday and that means you’ll find good tequila sips around The Cov (we’ve named a few that we found).
Then, shift your libations to bourbon, because the mint juleps are going to be flowing with the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday … but you already knew that.
Then there’s the Flying Pig Marathon, but unless you’re running or cheering on an athletic pal, your main interest is related to traffic, but don’t worry – we can clue you in here on which streets will be closed.
Enough about the traditional celebrations. This weekend there’s a Patsy Cline tribute, an anniversary to celebrate, and fashion show for the rebels out there.
Tonight, for one night, and one night only, Wenzel Whiskey is opening its doors to let you blend your own rye from their collection of 6- and 7-year-old Indiana ryes at the Wenzel Whiskey Rye Blend on Tobacco Alley.
But you’ve got to reserve a spot and as of this morning there was still availability. (Don’t dally!)
The event is limited to 50 tickets at $150 a ticket, and that covers your binding experience of 5 ounces of Indiana rye, food catered by Rich’s Proper Food & Drink, a Wenzel t-shirt, and a 750 ml bottle of the specific blend you create and leave with that night.
Cinco de Mayo is Friday and you’ve got some good options as to where you’d like to sip your tequila. (We apologize for any that we miss, but here’s what we found): Braxton Brewing Company. … Happy Days Sports Tavern.
Remember those gold boots that Patsy Cline wore on the cover of her “Showcase” album released in 1961? Coolest. Boots. Ever. Tragic that only two years later she would be dead at the age of 30.
Could there possibly ever be enough musical tributes to her? No. Give us more.
On Friday, The Carnegie Presents: After Midnight: A Tribute to Patsy Cline with Queen City Cabaret. They’ll be celebrating this extraordinarily talented singer who changed the game for women in country music.
This one-night-only showcase of Cline’s vintage country hits like “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Crazy,” and “I Fall to Pieces” will also feature performances by the Cincinnati Boychoir.
While you’re thinking about all the things you need to get to this weekend, let author Rick Pender add 100 more things to your list. (But you’re going to WANT to do the things on this list).
Rick Pender Author Appearance at Roebling Books & Coffee presents the Cincinnati-based author’s third edition of “100 Things to Do in Cincinnati Before You Die,” a guide to exploring the region.
No surprise that the book points out places right here in The Cov, because this is where it’s happenin.’
Saturday is the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, and here in The Cov you can watch the fastest 2 minutes in sports from some cool venues, all the while avoiding the crowds at Churchill Downs. (Derby vibes without the hassle).
Braxton Brewing Co. is starting early with its Braxton Brewing 2023 Kentucky Derby Day celebration. Don a bodacious chapeau and stop in to enjoy a mint julep station, Braxton’s Mint Julep Style Ale, and maybe win a prize for best dress, best couple, or best hat.
And over at Smoke Justis, The Race by the Roebling: Kentucky Derby Watch Party offers an exclusive event in its Bourbon Lounge. Be sure to dress to impress because there’s a Best-Dressed contest there too.
Over at The Well, there’s a Derby 2023 Watch Party, and you’ll get good drinks, food, and vibes there too. Plus, there’s a Derby Day Soiree at The Knowledge Bar & Social Room.
Odds are you go to Left Bank Coffeehouse for the coffee, but you stay for the ambiance: that laid back, artsy, outdoor vibe with the gardens and the mosaics … the “I’m in Europe” feel that transports you to another life in another place – the one you keep dreaming about. Yep, it’s that kind of place.
On Saturday, Left Bank Coffeehouse celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary and they want you to join them.
The party happens at The Standard Covington and you are strongly encouraged to wear your best Derby attire.
If you think ripped jeans and a provocative statement on a torn t-shirt cast you as a rebel, then you don’t know your history.
Let’s just say Marie Antoinette is where it’s at for edgy fashion. That’s right – it was all happening in the early 18th century. Excessively flamboyant. Curved asymmetric ornaments. Ruffles. More ruffles. Layers of ruffles. Ribbons. So many ribbons. Tons of rouchings. Just a whole lot of a lot of embellishments.
All is not lost for you, aspiring rebel. Get yourself to Peachy and Vintage Presents: Pretty in Rococo on Saturday at Madison Live for a sustainable vintage fashion show styled by Lariane Williams and themed off the late baroque fashion movement. Stacey Vest of East to Vest Productions is co-hosting. That alone makes it worth attending.
If you are overwhelmed from your friends’ prolific reproduction and baby showers (would tsunamis be more apropos?), then perhaps you’ll find Purrfect Day Cat Café’s Kitten Shower on Sunday a refreshing change.
First, reservations are a must and it’s limited to 12 people per time slot. (We’re talking exclusivity here as well as being mindful of the kittens). Plus, do not bring anyone under 6 years old.
The purchase of your reservation gets you a 30-minute cuddle session with the kittens, kitty cash to use for merchandise or snacks, and an official PDC Itty-Bitty-Kitty sticker.
The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon is Sunday and, just so you know, a portion of the course runs through Covington (like always).
Here’s the scoop on Road Closures in The Cov, so you’ll know where to watch and cheer on runners, or simply avoid. That said, there’s a Post-Pig Party & Brunch at Keystone Bar & Grill to help you recover, regardless of how you choose to participate.
Tonight: The Chuck Brisbin Trio at Smoke Justis … The Missy Werner Band at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.
Friday: Ryan Snyder with Stokelys and The Howard Brothers Band at The Rooftop at Madison Theater … Mo Lowda & The Humble with Very Special Guests Illiterate Light at Madison Live … Leroy Ellington at Smoke Justis … Coy Comer & The Wanderers at Wunderbar … Chris Comer Trio at Juniper’s.
Saturday: Homoxide Gang with Sid Shyne and Biggaveli at The Rooftop at Madison Theater … Mark & Doug at Smoke Justis.
Tonight: Star Wars Paint Night at Creative House of Art & Design.
Friday: B2 Fighting Series 181 at Hits Indoor Baseball and Sportsplex … Full Moon Fest at Creative House of Art & Design.
Saturday: Brunch with DJ CoCo at Frosthaus … Satur-Day Drinking DJ Brunches at Keystone Bar & Grill … Happy Mother’s Day Quilling Workshop at Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop … Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar Turns 11 at OKBB … Riot Rose Cabaret Burlesque Variety Show at Creative House of Art & Design … Last Call Trivia at Frosthaus.